By: Joan O’Neil and Ed Cilurso As artificial intelligence continues to evolve as a transformative technology, it’s increasingly supporting building safety professionals both in the field and behind the scenes. AI integration into the industry empowers professionals and organizations by providing enhanced tools to assess data, improve processes and enhance overall safety measures. Every May, the International Code Council’s Building Safety Month campaign raises awareness about the role of building codes in keeping us all safe. Week 5 of this year’s campaign looks at how to use AI and other technologies for benefits, which include: 1. Improved access to data … Read more
(Hydro) Excavation Best Practices During Storm Seasons
Practical tips to prepare for unpredictable weather conditions By: Dustin Rhodes Excavation jobs cannot always stop for unfavorable weather, and storms can lead to unpredictable conditions — including loose soil. Hydro excavation is a way to make excavation projects safer for jobsites, because loose soil is vacuumed out of the way into a debris tank. Not only does it minimize the need for manual labor, it allows workers to remain a safe distance from excavation sites. It also helps diminish the potential for trench collapse and displaced debris, because instead of using a shovel or backhoe to ascertain what lays … Read more
Cold Weather Safety, Storm Preparedness
A proactive approach to weather readiness on the jobsite By Jay Vander Leest This winter, the country has seen snow in literally all 50 states. And many of these areas are not as experienced as others when facing inclement winter conditions. Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Kraus-Anderson Construction understands winter weather introduces serious risks and unique challenges for construction workers both from an injury prevention, and OSHA-compliance standpoint — along with the importance of prioritizing cold weather preparedness by identifying and pre-planning for primary risk exposures associated with winter conditions. The basics Especially during nasty weather, it’s best not to perform outdoor activities … Read more
5th Annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents Coming in April
National Work Zone Awareness Week 2024 will take place April 15-19, including the NORA Construction Sector Council’s fifth annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on struck-by hazards and reinforcing the importance of training and prevention. Learn how to participate in the event and about this hazard — including resources to make workers safer — on CPWR’s Struck-by Hazards webpage. Also, CPWR is recruiting general and specialty contractors to participate in a pilot planning program to prevent struck-by incidents. Learn more about the free program and how to … Read more
MSA Introduces V-Gard Winter Liners
MSA The Safety Company unveils its V-Gard Winter Liners. Contractors can now get superior, under-the-helmet warmth and protection with these winter liners. Choose Supreme, Select or Value in any of four different styles, including flame-retardant and flame-resistant models. Highlights of these winter liners include: Deliver extra warmth and protection under safety helmets Supreme liners offer three layers of true flame resistance and superior resistance to arc exposure (ATPV of 8 cal/cm2) Select liners can be laundered up to 50 times without affecting flame retardancy Many models offer quilted earflaps so earmuffs can be used without compromising hearing protection levels Adjustable … Read more